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ECHOstore is redefining the meaning of sustainable and thoughtful gifting this Christmas. Beyond the carefully curated products, the brand is championing sustainability and women empowerment.
This year, ECHOstore partnered with SEDP – Simbag sa Pag-Asenso Inc. to bring to life its vision of a greener and more equitable holiday season. The project involves empowering women-microentrepreneurs in Bicol to weave baskets that will serve as sustainable packaging and hampers for ECHOstore’s Christmas gift sets.
Every basket tells a story of resilience, artistry, and community, making each gift a tangible expression of support for these women and the environment.
Previously known as the Socio-Economic Development Program of the Social Action Center, Diocese of Legazpi, SEDP – Simbag sa Pag-Asenso Inc. is a Bicol-based organization committed to uplifting the lives of Bicolano and Samarnon families, particularly women.
Through financial and non-financial support, SEDP trains women to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs, contributing to their communities' growth. This vision of a community where women are empowered to thrive aligns seamlessly with ECHOstore’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
This shared passion for empowering women and fostering economic growth created a fortuitous partnership. Through SEDP, ECHOstore got connected to communities of basket weavers in Bicol. By providing a market for the women weavers’ baskets, ECHOstore not only supports a sustainable supply chain but also contributes to the financial independence of these artisans.
Among ECHOstore’s partners include those from the communities of Sorsogon and Bacacay Island. Here, a vibrant group of women micro-entrepreneurs transforms the abundant karagumoy (pandanus simplex) into exquisite, handcrafted baskets. This resilient plant, endemic to the region, has long been a staple in local weaving traditions.
Historically, the karagumoy weaving industry in Bicol was a mere subsistence activity. Weavers exchanged their creations for basic necessities (e.g., a kilo of rice or a can or two of sardines), with little to no profit.
However, through the guidance of SEDP-Simbag sa Pag-Asenso Inc., these women artisans have undergone a transformative journey. Equipped with financial literacy, costing, and pricing knowledge, they now possess the tools to elevate their craft and improve their livelihoods. Their baskets, once a means of survival, have evolved into products of empowerment and economic growth.
Another talented women microentrepreneur contributing to ECHOstore's sustainable packaging is Nanay Corazon from Daraga, Albay.
A member of SEDP for over three decades, Nanay Corazon started with a loan of 2,000 pesos and went on to establish a business of sinamay packaging. She has mastered the art of sinamay weaving, transforming the delicate fibers of abaca into exquisite baskets.
Nanay Corazon's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her business, which now employs 15 weavers to meet the growing demand. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, is a testament to the power of economic empowerment. Through SEDP’s support, she has built a successful enterprise while ensuring her children's education.
As she approaches retirement, Nanay Corazon's legacy lives on through her children, who are committed to preserving the craft and continuing to support the weaving community.
ECHOstore’s commitment to sustainable and ethically-sourced products extends beyond the items themselves. By partnering with small producers and marginalized communities, ECHOstore hopes to empower artisans while reducing environmental impact. The handcrafted baskets and hampers, made from locally sourced materials and woven by women microentrepreneurs, are a testament to this dedication.
As the holiday season approaches, ECHOstore is excited to unveil its new collection of Christmas gift sets, each a reflection of the brand’s values. The gift sets will feature products such as brown rice, bottled preserves, virgin coconut oil, tea, Philippine coffee, and other sustainable pantry essentials. Stay tuned for the official launch on the ECHOstore website and our social media pages.
